Hot Topics:

Dracut man admits stealing dog

LOWELL -- A 30 -year-old Dracut man admitted to charges he stole a dog during an argument with another couple, then struck a woman as they drove off with the dog.

In Lowell District Court on Friday, Emanuel Lima, 30, of 21 Wigham Ave., pleaded guilty to larceny, assault and battery, and possession of a Class B drug. Lima's sentence was probation until 2015.

Dracut police allege Lima and his girlfriend, Ashley Dewolfe, who was also charged, met with a couple they know on Methuen Street on May 23, 2012. They met to talk about money that was owed between the couple when the discussion turned physical.

The victims had their dog, a pitbull, in their car when the fight broke out. Lima and Dewolfe are accused of taking the dog out of the victims' car, putting it in their car and driving away.

As they drove away, the couple allegedly struck the female victim with their car. The victim was transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries and provided police with an address. Police arrested Lima and Dewolfe a short time later. They were also charged with possession of illegal drugs.

In asking for probation, Lima's attorney said the police report failed to note that his client took the dog because it was allegedly being abused.